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Balloons are inflatable material used in many
applications. The inflation medium is usually helium-gas or air.

They come in varied colors, dimensions, shapes and sizes.
Some have medical application, fun, military and transportation.

Rubber toy balloons are generally made from latex
material. To establish your factory you need quality equipment, good location
and access to raw material.

You need to incorporate and put in place an effective
marketing strategy. Here are a few ideas on how to start a small balloon plant.

How
to start a Latex Balloon Plant

Raw Materials

Latex rubber is made from either synthetic material or
rubber. It is the most common material used in the manufacturing process.

Although latex is the main ingredient other compounds are
mixed to achieve color, dryness and thickness. Other raw materials are casein,
potassium hydroxide and zinc oxide. Some manufacturers also use vulkanex and
coloring pigments.

Synthetic
material

Latex rubber

Casein

Potassium
hydroxide

Zinc oxide

Vulkanex

Color pigments

Different
Types of Balloons

There are different types of balloons based on design and
materials used in the manufacturing process. The functionality, shape and size depend
on the manufacturer’s purpose.

Latex is obtained from the Hevea tree and is the
principle ingredient in fun balloons. The main features that make latex
desirable are the waterproof quality and elasticity. Once collected it is
transported to the factory for processing.

The manufacturing process starts with preparation of
latex compound by pre-vulcanizing the latex. Then the manufacturers introduce
color pigments and modifiers.

The next step is dipping, leaching and drying process.
The dipping involves balloon formers, and dipping into coagulant and latex
compound.

The formers are then passed into the leaching tanks for 1
hour. Drying is done in a chamber and the rubber vulcanized. Finally the
product goes through balloon stripping. After the stripping they undergo
quality control inspection.

You are at liberty to choose between proprietorship and
limited liability incorporation. Once you have incorporated the business obtain
a trade license.

You need a license to manufacture balloons including
insurance. The balloon making process produces a lot of hazardous waste. Therefore
serious waste management protocols should be put in lace. The waste material is
usually in liquid form and bad for the environment.

To succeed in this enterprise you need an effective
marketing strategy. List your business in yellow pages, directories and
classified websites. Use newspaper publications, television advertisement and
radio jingles.

Print flyers, business cards, billboards and poster to
attract patronage. Hire commission based sales representatives to find new
customers. Focus on event centers, fun fairs, party planners and hall
decorators.